ASFC VTA SmartPass

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the SmartPass and how do I get one?

SmartPass is a partnership between the Associated Students of Foothill College (ASFC)
and Santa Clara Valley Transit Authority (VTA), which gives Foothill College students
the opportunity to enjoy unlimited rides on VTA's Regular Bus Service and Light Rail
Service for the duration of each quarter provided you are currently enrolled for the
quarter. The SmartPass is load on a Clipper card. The Clipper card is a reloadable
contactless smart card used for electronic transit fare payment in the San Francisco/San
Jose Bay Area. Keep your Clipper card, it is good for multiple quarters and for life beyond Foothill
College.

Q. How do I get a Clipper card?

Get your personalized Clipper card from Foothill College Smart Shop in the Campus
Center, room 2016. You must be enrolled in at least one credit class. Your new SmartPass
Clipper card is available for immediate VTA travel.

Q. Do I need to get a new Clipper card each quarter?

No. Keep your Clipper card, it is good for multiple quarters and for life beyond Foothill
College.

Q. Do I need to come in to get a new SmartPass each quarter?

No. As long as you are enrolled in at least one credit class each quarter the SmartPass
will remain active.

Q. Is there a grace period after the expiration date of the old SmartPass?

The VTA SmartPass is generally valid for two weeks before the previous quarter ends
and two weeks after the next quarter begins. The valid dates are listed below. After
this period, there's no grace period. VTA will not allow you to board if your SmartPass
has expired and you have not loaded any cash on your Clipper card.

SmartPass Quarter

SmartPass Ordering Begins

SmartPass Ordering Ends

SmartPass Valid From

SmartPass Valid To

Summer

8th week of spring

8th week of summer

4 weeks before end of spring

2 weeks after start of fall

Fall

9th week of summer

8th week of fall

2 weeks before start of fall

2 weeks after start of winter

Winter

9th week of fall

8th week of winter

2 weeks before end of fall

2 weeks after start of spring

Spring

9th week of winter

8th week of spring

2 weeks before end of winter

2 weeks after start of summer

Q. Can I use the SmartPass during recess periods between quarters?

Yes, see the above grid. With a two-week overlap period at the start and end of each
quarter, the valid dates overlap from quarter to quarter, which will allow use of
the SmartPass during winter, spring and summer recess breaks.

Q. I have applied for financial aid and I am waiting for financial aid approval and/or
disbursement.

Students generally receive their financial aid during the first week of classes.
As previously mentioned, the SmartPass is generally valid for two weeks before the
previous quarter ends and two weeks after the next quarter begins.

Q. Can I use the Clipper card for other transit agencies?

Yes, but only if you place additional value onto the Clipper card. No additional value
is needed to ride the VTA bus system and light rail within Santa Clara County, but
is required for other transit agencies (BART, CalTrain, Muni, SamTrans, etc.).

Q. I already have a Clipper card. Can I use it for the SmartPass?

No. The SmartPass can only be loaded on Clipper cards provided by the Foothill College
Smart Shop.

Q. Should I register my Clipper card with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission
(MTC)?

Yes, it is HIGHLY recommended that you register your Clipper card with the MTC, especially
if you think you might add value and other passes besides the SmartPass (BART, CalTrain,
Muni, etc.). If you do not register your card and you lose it you will lose all non-SmartPass
values you have placed on the card. To register go to www.clippercard.com and click
on the "Register a card" link on the top left side of the page. You will need to create
a My Clipper account.

Q. I dropped all my classes. Is my SmartPass still valid?

No, once you drop all your classes your SmartPass will be disabled within 72 hours.
DO NOT THROW AWAY YOUR CLIPPER CARD. It is still valid for any other values you have
added.

Q. I lost my Clipper card. How can I get a replacement?

Visit the Foothill College Smart Shop in the Campus Center, room 2016. There is a
$3 replacement fee for the SmartPass. If your Clipper card was stolen and you bring
in a police report the replacement fee will be waived. The Smart Shop will replace
your Clipper card and SmartPass only, NOT ANY OTHER STORED VALUE(S). The Smart Pass
on your old Clipper card will be disabled, the Clipper card will not be disabled.-- If you have any other stored value (BART, Caltrain, Muni, etc.) on your old Clipper
card and you have registered your Clipper card with the MTC you can go to www.clippercard.com
and report your original card lost or stolen and register your new card. Your old
card will be disabled and the other stored value will be transferred to the new Clipper
card.-- If you had any other stored value (BART, Caltrain, Muni, etc.) and you did NOT
register your Clipper Card with the MTC then unfortunately all the old value will
be lost and you will not be able to recover it.

Q. May I give away or sell my SmartPass since I don't ride VTA?

Absolutely not. The SmartPass is not transferable. It is a violation of California
Penal Code 640 (punishable by a fine of up to $250 and/or community service) if you
give away or sell your VTA SmartPass Clipper card, or accept a VTA SmartPass Clipper
from another student. The College will report any solicitation of sale or transfer
of the VTA SmartPass Clipper card to law enforcement authorities. Students in violation
may be liable for the amount equal to the cost of a VTA Adult Regular Annual Pass
(approximately $880) and other violations and disciplinary actions as provided in
the Foothill De Anza Community College District's Student Code of Conduct AP (5510)
and Student Due Process and Discipline (AP 5520) including possible suspension or
expulsion from the College. All VTA SmartPass Clipper card holders shall be subject
to VTA's fare inspection regulations. Misuse will result in confiscation by VTA authorized
personnel.